U.S. patent number 5,746,431 [Application Number 08/645,430] was granted by the patent office on 1998-05-05 for question and answer football game.
Invention is credited to Martin D. McIntyre, Jerry L. McLendon.
United States Patent |
5,746,431 |
McIntyre , et al. |
May 5, 1998 |
Question and answer football game
Abstract
A question and answer football board game is disclosed which
provides a complete game for individual institutions and/or teams.
Players compete by answering questions which are inscribed on play
cards (14) which are divided into categories according to
progressive levels of difficulty. The game can be played by one
individual, two individuals, or two groups of individuals. The game
may be played using data from one or two institutions. A score card
(20) is used by the offensive player to record the results of each
play attempted, the outcome, points scored and total score. The
defensive player reads questions from cards drawn from the 4
categories requested by the offensive player or team. More
difficult questions are worth more yards gained. Kick cards (12)
are used for punt, kick off, field goal, and extra point attempts.
A team marker (16) is placed on a game board (22) which resembles a
football field provides yard markers (24) for visual reference of
player progress. As points are scored they are tabulated on score
card (20). The game follows standard football rules and
conventions. Kick cards (12), and play cards (14), are arranged in
a game box 10.
Inventors: |
McIntyre; Martin D.
(Greenville, SC), McLendon; Jerry L. (Mobile, AL) |
Family
ID: |
24588993 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/645,430 |
Filed: |
May 13, 1996 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/247; 273/277;
273/298; 273/430 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F
3/00041 (20130101); A63F 9/18 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
3/00 (20060101); A63F 9/18 (20060101); A63F
007/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;273/55R,85R,87F,93C,94,247,244,277,296,298,302,429,430,431,432 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Reader's Digest, Book of 1000 family Games, "Blackboard Football",
pp. 102, 1973..
|
Primary Examiner: Pierce; William M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Flint; Cort
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of playing an educational, question and answer sports
game based on a player's knowledge of factual sports information
about a sport or an institution comprising:
providing at least one set of cards including a plurality of
playing cards having indicia representing progressive numerical
levels of advancement representing yards advanced in regards to
reaching an objective of said game wherein each said playing card
includes a written question corresponding to said indicia
representing the progressive numerical levels of advancement
representing yards advanced, and said written question being about
factual information pertaining to a particular sports team and a
written answer responsive to said written question wherein said
written questions have degrees of difficulty corresponding to said
progressive numerical levels of advancement;
selecting said playing cards by a respective player in accordance
with a level of advancement desired to be achieved by the
player;
answering the question by the player;
monitoring an answer by the player and an advancement of said
player toward said game objective in response to whether said
player's answer to said corresponding questions embodied on said
playing cards is correct;
repeatedly selecting said playing cards and adding the numerical
levels of advancement for correct answers until the player achieves
a first down by advancing at least a total of ten yards in four or
less selections of the playing cards or achieves a touchdown;
providing a set of kick cards which include kick instructions;
and
drawing one of said kick cards as an option after failing to
achieve a total of at least ten yards in three or less selections
of the playing cards.
2. The method of claim 1 including providing a set of kick cards
which include various kick instructions corresponding to
conventional kick actions which occur in a football game; and
wherein said player draws one of said kick cards in response to
failing to achieve a first down or touchdown following a completion
of a third down play.
3. The method of claim 1 including providing a replica of a
football field and indicating a location on said football field
corresponding to the advancement of said player in yards.
4. The method of claim 1 including the step of turning over the
selection of playing cards to a second player in accordance with
said kick instructions on said kick card as drawn by a first player
whereby said second player resumes play of the game in accordance
with the selection of said playing cards and the answering of said
questions until said second player either fails to achieve a first
down by advancing at least a total of ten yards in four or less
selections or scores a touchdown.
5. The method of claim 1 comprising providing a second set of
playing cards having written questions embodied on said cards
corresponding to progressive levels of yardage gained and degrees
of difficulty pertaining to factual information about a second
institution, and wherein answers to said questions are embodied on
said playing cards along with said questions; said first player
selecting and answering the questions on the first set of cards,
and said second player selecting answering the questions on said
second set of cards.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said game includes:
recording a number of a down, a number of yards to go for a first
down, and a present location of a football for a first player
representing the advancement of the first player;
indicating the level of advancement yardage gain attempted by the
first player on the present down;
selecting a playing card by said second player corresponding to the
degree of difficulty selected by said first player; said second
player asking the question written on said playing card to said
first player;
said second player checking the answer of said first player against
said answer written on said playing card; and
recording any yardage gained by said first player in response to
the correctness of his answer to said question.
7. The method of claim 1 including providing a formatted score
card, and indicating a present position of the player, the play
attempted by the player from the present position, and the results
of the attempted play on the scorecard.
8. The method of claim 7 including indicating a number of a down, a
number of yards to go for a first down, a yard line on which the
ball is located, an attempted level of yardage gained or kick
action by the player, a yardage gain made by the player, any points
obtained, and a cumulative score total on said formatted score
card.
Description
BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to an entertainment game, and, more
particularly, to a question-and-answer football game based upon
football facts and personalities at individual institutions,
wherein players may compete using knowledge about separate
institutions, or the same institution, and advance toward a goal by
answering questions correctly.
As the popularity of sports grows, so grows the sophistication of
fans in their knowledge about matters concerning their favorite
teams. Fans take pride in their knowledge of the history, exploits
and personalities of their favorite teams. Fans have no board game
which allows followers of different institutions to face off with
each other and compete. Board games which represent sports such as
football are generally applicable to the entire scope of all teams,
or institutions, or they are games of chance where a probability
device such as a die, spinner or card is used to create an event.
Many sport games have been developed, but these games do not
illustrate and teach the history of a particular institution.
The prior art games are complicated because of the use of various
methods of probability devices such as a die or spinner, sometimes
in concert with a card drawn from a deck of cards which specify
various outcomes. Game complexity constitutes a problem for the
successful introduction of an entertainment game.
Further, the prior art games have lacked a suitable feature that
allows a group of people to play in a setting such as a sport
weekend gathering where those present are divided in their loyalty
to the teams represented. A deficiency of some games stems from the
fact that no flexibility exists for those less skilled to contend
against those more skilled at the art of the game.
Various forms of football games have been heretofore provided in
the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,060,973, describes a rather
complicated football amusement game which is played with three
decks of cards. The major part of the game operation consists of
opposing players making a choice by selecting one card to represent
one play of the game. The two opposing players' cards are slotted
and juxtaposed to determine the outcome of the play. By reading
through the slot opening in one card, the imprint on the opposing
card is visible. At the end of an unsuccessful series of attempts,
the ball is given over to the opposing player. Also when this
occurs, players exchange decks of cards to allow for the offensive
and defensive teams to change. No questions or answers are used to
rule the success or failure of the players. In U.S. Pat. No.
2,064,466, a game is described which uses cards on which have been
inscribed details of a football play. Cards are placed face down in
divisions of "punts", "pass", and "scrimmage". Selection of cards
by players of the game is made according to judgment of what is
believed to be the best play to attempt. The card describes what
event is to occur. For example, "Break through right tackle--7 yard
gain", and the players move the play indicator to the proper
position on the play surface. There is no provision for exchange of
historical or factual information, nor may the players use
different data. There is no provision for levels-of-difficulty
being rewarded by proportional gains. U.S. Pat. No. 2,106,846, Katz
describes a game somewhat similar to that previously described.
Cards are used which have inscribed information that describes a
football play or similar event that could be expected to occur in
an actual football game. Players draw six cards to determine
circumstances for the kickoff and ensuing play. Game progress is
made based upon numerals inscribed on cards being added, and upon
the event inscribed on the face of the cards. No provision for
exchange of educational or factual information is mentioned in this
art. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,022,068, a football game is described where
the board surface does not simulate a football field, and the
offense and defense team are not lined up and moved as a group.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,492,000, reveals a football board game with cards
having various characters printed in a variety of positions, and
apertures. One player selects a play card. The other player selects
his choice of cards, and the two are superimposed to determine an
outcome depending on the results of overlying apertures. The game
is primarily one of chance and strategy rather than knowledge. It
is not oriented toward any given team or institution.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,650, discloses a relatively sophisticated
football board game simulating a professional football game. In the
operation of the game five stacks of cards are used to direct the
progress of the game. Opposing players draw a card each which, when
combined, result in a particular outcome. To introduce the element
of chance a spinner is used to arrive at a random number within a
range of numbers which by reference to a chart and in combination
with a selection of a particular chart, or a particular play among
a group of plays on such chart, produces a result. In U.S. Pat. No.
5,087,051, a quiz football board game is disclosed having a
plurality of football question and answer cards, a game board and
means to represent the opposing teams and a pair of card holders.
The game board has spaces for numerous game pieces to move around
the periphery of the board and land on spaces which allow the play
to advance or regress. This game is complex, using player pieces,
penalty cards, question cards, and die. The question cards are
provided in one version only. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,084, a game is
described which uses a mixture of player pieces which can be
arranged to resemble the location and set-up of players in an
actual game. The sport surface of the game board is marked in a
grid pattern. Individual set pieces contend against each other.
A publication entitled, "Book of 1000 Family Games" by Readers
Digest, (1971) lists "Blackboard Football" on page 102. This game
is described as an informal game in which a team leader writes
questions on slips of paper for players to answer. The use of
questions in 3 levels is described. Simple problems are worth 10
yards, moderate questions 20, and difficult problems are worth 30
yards. A likeness of a football field is drawn on a blackboard. The
ball is started on the fifty yard line, and players have 3 attempts
to score before turning of the game over to the opposition. There
is no prepared data in the game. The subject matter is not limited
to football lore or history. It is instead used as a means of
keeping score for players who contend on any topic.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,780, a board game is described which has the
form of a basketball game. Five different colored pairs of tokens
are used for two purposes. One token is used to track the players'
progress around the board, and the second is used to keep score.
Players advance their tokens according to the outcome of a roll of
dice, the particular square on which the piece lands, and whether
the player answers a question correctly. Colored cubes with indicia
inscribed upon them are used to correlate to one of several
questions on cards. The playing board has a perimeter of squares
and a center composed of basketball images. In U.S. Pat. No.
5,186,467, a game is described the subject of which is baseball.
Two decks of cards are used by players to attempt to match a famous
team and player's uniform numbers to achieve a correct combination.
A combination of two correct cards is needed for a player to
progress.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a
competitive game where the players knowledge of a team is matched
against an opponent whose knowledge of a different team, or the
same team's history, achievements and personalities determines the
winner.
Another object of the invention is to provide a competitive game
that results from persons being exposed to interesting facts, and
accomplishments from an institution other than their own.
Another object is the enhancement of enjoyment surrounding sports
events such as, but not limited to, weekend football games where
people enjoy the spirit of support for the favorite team.
Another object of the invention is to provide a competitive game
wherein learning can occur between sports fans of all ages. A
youngster with an interest in a college football team can be
matched, with a much more experienced person who enjoys exhibiting
similar knowledge about a professional football team. Without
artificial advantages or handicapping, the youngster and the adult
can be evenly matched because of knowledge of his chosen team's
history.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an football
entertainment game in which sports fans whom cannot participate in
a real game because of physical limitations, or other reasons, may
participate and demonstrate prowess by successfully demonstrating
mental power through knowledge of sport team facts, records,
etc.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a
football entertainment game in which the physical and structural
characteristics of a football board game are simplified while
retaining the excitement of challenge in good-natured
competition.
Advantageously, the game of the present invention may be played in
multiple ways. For example,one person may play using data from one
team, or two people may play using data from one team. Two persons
may play using data from different teams. Two groups may play using
data from one team, or using data from different teams. The prior
art games are typically played according to one set pattern of
play.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a gameboard and
entertainment football game according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of play cards and kick cards in the
game box according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the play book according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the play card back according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4A is a plan view of a play card front according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a kick card front according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 5A is a plan view of the kick card back according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above objectives are accomplished according to the invention by
providing an educational football game for testing a player's
knowledge of factual sports information regarding a particular
institution comprising a plurality of playing cards marked with
progressive levels of yardage gain and a written question embodied
on each playing card pertaining to factual football information at
a particular institution, the question having a degree of
difficulty corresponding to the progressive levels of yardage
gained. The educational football game further comprises a written
answer embodied on each playing card responsive to the question
embodied on the playing card, a plurality of kick cards which
include a written kick instructions for at least one of a kick-off,
punt, field goal, or point after touch down kick action, and a
recording device for recording the play of the player according to
standard football rules based on the yardage gained by answering
the questions on the playing cards, and the kick instructions on
the kick cards. The recording device includes a game board which
represents a football field having ten-yard dividers and goal lines
at opposing ends of the field, and a marker for indicating the
location of the football in response to the progress of the player
on the football field. The recording device further includes a
score card which is categorized for indicating the present position
of the player, the play attempted by the player from the present
position, and the results of the attempted play. The score card
includes columns with headings for indicating the number of the
down, yards to go for a first down, the yard line on which the ball
is located, the attempted level of yardage gained or kick action by
the player, the yardage gain made by the player, any points
obtained, and a cumulative score total. The recording device
further includes a score card which is categorized for indicating
the present position of the player, the play attempted by the
player from the present position, and the results of the attempted
play. The score card includes columns with headings for indicating
the number of the down, yards to go for a first down, the yard line
on which the ball is located, the attempted action of the player in
terms of the level of yardage gained or kick action, the yardage
gain made by the player, any points obtained, and a cumulative
score total. The written question and written answer are embodied
on a first side of each of the playing cards. Each of the playing
cards includes a second side having indicia representing the
institution to which the questions and answers on the first side of
the card pertain. The playing cards embody indicia representing the
institution to which the questions and answers on the playing cards
pertain. A container is included for the play and kick cards and
includes a plurality of indexes for organizing the playing cards
according to the level of yardage gained and difficulty level. A
first set of the playing cards which embody factual information
pertaining to a first institution and at least a second set of
playing cards which embody factual information pertaining to a
second institution.
An educational football game for testing a player's knowledge of
factual sports information regarding a particular institution
comprising a plurality of playing cards marked with progressive
levels of yardage gain, a written question embodied on each playing
card pertaining to factual football information at a particular
institution, the question having a degree of difficulty
corresponding to the progressive levels of yardage gained, a
written answer embodied on each playing card responsive to the
question embodied on the playing card, and a plurality of kick
cards which include a written kick instructions for at least one of
a kick-off, punt, field goal, or point after touch down kick
action. The playing cards and kick cards are drawn for a player and
the play of the player is monitored according to standard football
rules based on the yardage gained by answering the questions on the
playing cards, and the kick instructions on the kick cards. A
recording device is provided which includes a score card
categorized for indicating the present position of the player, the
play attempted by the player from the present position, and the
results of the attempted play. The score card includes columns with
headings for indicating the number of the down, yards to go for a
first down, the yard line on which the ball is located, the
attempted level of yardage gained or kick action by the player, the
yardage gain made by the player, any points obtained, and a
cumulative score total. The recording device which includes a game
board which represents a football field having ten-yard dividers
and goal lines at opposing ends of the field, and a marker for
indicating the location of the football in response to the progress
of the player on the football field. The written question and
written answer are embodied on a first side of each of the playing
cards and the playing cards includes a second side having indicia
representing the institution to which the questions and answers on
the first side of the card pertain. A first set of playing cards
which embody factual information pertaining to a first institution.
A second set of playing cards which embody factual information
pertaining to either the first institution or a second institution
may also be utilized. A container is included for containing play
and kick cards and includes a plurality of indexes for organizing
the playing cards according to the level of yardage gained and
difficulty level.
A method of playing an educational sports game based on a player's
knowledge of factual sports information about a sports team
including providing a plurality of playing cards having indicia of
progressive levels of advancement in regards to reaching an
objective of the game wherein each the playing card includes a
written question about the factual information pertaining to a
particular sports team and a written answer responsive to the
question wherein the questions have degrees of difficulty
corresponding to the progressive levels of advancement, selecting
the playing cards in accordance with a desired level of
advancement, and monitoring the advancement of the player toward
the game objective in response to the correctness of the player's
answer to the corresponding questions embodied on the playing
cards.
The method of playing an educational football game based on a
player's knowledge of factual sports information regarding a
particular team including at least one set of playing cards having
indicia of progressive levels of yardage gained indicated on the
cards wherein written questions are embodied on each of the cards
and the degree of difficulty of the question corresponds to the
progressive level of yardage gained indicated on the cards, and
wherein a written answer to the question is embodied on each of the
cards, selecting the cards according to a player's desired level of
difficulty and yardage gain, recording the position of the player
relative to a football field prior to selecting the card, awarding
the yardage gained by the player depending on the correctness of
the player's answer to the question on the selected card, and
monitoring points made by the player in accordance with standard
football rules, and recording the points of the player. A set of
kick cards is provided which include various kick instructions
corresponding to conventional kick actions which occur in a
football game; and wherein the player draws one of the kick cards
in response to failing to achieve a first down or touchdown
following a completion of a third down play. A replica of a
football field and a marker for indicating the location of the
football on the football field corresponding to the progress of the
player are provided. Possession of the football is turned over to a
second player in response to the kick instructions on the kick card
as drawn by a first player whereby the second player resumes play
of the game in accordance with the draw of the playing cards and
the answering of the questions until the second player either fails
to achieve a first down or score a touchdown.
An alternative method includes the steps of providing a second set
of playing cards having written questions embodied on the cards
corresponding to progressive levels of yardage gained and degrees
of difficulty pertaining to a second institution, and wherein
answers to the questions are embodied on the playing cards along
with the questions; the first player selecting and answering the
questions on the first set of cards, and the second player
selecting answering the questions on the second set of cards.
The game is played in accordance with conventional football rules
and includes recording a number of a down, the yards to go for a
first down, and the present location of the football for a first
player. The rules further include indicating the level of yardage
gain attempted by the first player on the present down, selecting a
playing card by the second player corresponding to the level of
difficulty selected by the first player; the second player asking
the question written on the playing card to the first player, the
second player checking the answer of the first player against the
answer written on the playing card, and recording any yardage
gained by the first player in response to the correctness of his
answer to the question.
One distinction of the present game from the prior art resides in
the following: information for the game data in the invented game
is from a particular team's history, facts, and achievements. Now,
for the first time, people can play each other using data from
either a particular team or separate teams in a question and answer
football game. A further distinction is the division of game
questions into levels of difficulty to accommodate those less
skilled in the art. A players knowledge of the facts and
accomplishments of his team can be rehearsed and studied prior to a
contest. The game can be an educational exchange of information.
The game relies on no die, spinner or similar device to cause
chance developments or unpredictable outcomes. Success or failure
comes as a result of players demonstrating knowledge of a team's
history and accomplishments. Simplicity rather than complexity has
been observed in the invented game's design in order to make it
enjoyable for team supporters, regardless of age.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now in more detail to the drawings, an entertainment game
is illustrated in FIG. 1 which, in the preferred embodiment, is in
the form of a football game comprising a game board 22 in the
configuration of a miniature simulated football playing field. The
playing field has lateral yard lines 22a which represent the ten
yard lines which are marked on an actual football playing field at
10 yard intervals and goal lines which establish the point at which
a touchdown may be declared. Yard markers 24, corresponding to the
yard lines appear along longitudinal margin of game board 22, for
player reference.
Team marker 16, as shown in FIG. 1, may be colored to represent
that color of whichever institutions are being represented in the
game. A rules book 18 provides written instructions regarding how
the foregoing game components are used to play the game. A score
card 20, shown in FIG. 3, provides a means for tabulating plays, as
well as the points scored and the total points accumulated by
players. There is a plurality of play cards 14, as shown in FIGS. 2
and 4, 4A, include indica 14a in the form of a printed question and
correct answer to the question on a first, back side 14b. Opposite,
second sides 14c, called the front side of play cards 14, may
include indicia such as decorations and/or identifications (e.g.
logos) of the institution represented and further to include a
numeral at 14d which establishes the category and level of play and
advancement the play card belongs to. In the illustrated
embodiment, numerals 2, 5 (FIG. 4), 10, or 20 are used to provide
visual indication as to the level of play and advancement the card
belongs to. Preferably, play cards 14 are organized in a box 10 and
indexed according to their level of play, as can best be seen in
FIG. 7, so that the players may easily select a card depending on
their desired level of play.
There is a plurality of kick cards 12, shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A,
having indicia 12a provided on a back side 12b in the form of
printing which indicates written outcomes of the various forms of
kicks which are used in the game which include kick-off, punt,
field goal, and point-after-touchdown. Opposite sides 12c, referred
to as the front side of the kick cards include suitable indicia as
to distinguish kick cards 12 from play cards 14. The fronts of
cards 12 may also include indicia at 12d to reflect attributes, or
other identifications or logos of the institution represented.
OPERATION
The preferred embodiment of operation begins with the players
choosing whether to play the game with one common set of data, or
with each player using separate data. An example of the former
occurs when two football fans of the University of Alabama use the
game apparatus from the Alabama football game to play each other.
This mode of play is similar to most other board games. An example
of the latter occurs when a fan of the University of Notre Dame
uses his data cards from the Notre Dame apparatus to play against a
Dallas Cowboys fan who uses his data cards from the Dallas Cowboys
apparatus. As in an actual game, it makes no difference which
players field is used. The field layout, and the rules are
universally accepted. The game can be supplied with sets of play
cards and data for desired institutions and teams in a particular
market area. The number of play cards and data sets supplied with
the game may also vary as desired.
To begin with, the players determine which will be the offensive
team first. Players may consult rules book 18, for guidance on how
to proceed at any time during game. One rules book 18 serves for
all players of game. As in football, the goal of the game is to
score the most points. Standard football rules of the NCAA may be
used. It is played as much as possible like actual football. For
example, each player has 4 tries to move his team 10 yards.
Touchdowns are scored at 6 points. Field goals are scored at 3
points. A point after touchdown gains one point. If a player wishes
to attempt a two yard conversion after a touchdown, the kick card
is not used. Instead, a two yard play card 14, is used. Cards are
always drawn from the front of the section or category and returned
to the back of that section or category.
Kick Off
For the kick-off, the offensive player asks the defensive player
for a kick card 12. The defensive player takes front card from kick
card section or category. Defensive player reads aloud for
offensive player to hear, entry on kick card 12, beside words,
"Kick-Off". Offensive player then moves team marker 16, to position
as designated by kick card 12.
First Down
For the first down, the offensive player writes numeral 1, under
column headed, " Down", in score card 20. The offensive player
writes numerals 10 under column headed, "Yards To Go", in score
card 20. The offensive player then writes numerals to indicate
which yard marker 24, the ball is resting at under column headed,
"Ball On", in score card 20.
The offensive player determines which level of difficulty to
attempt. The more difficult questions will provide greater yardage
gains that less difficult questions. Play cards 14, are then placed
in categories "2 Yards", "5 Yards", "10 Yards", and "20 Yards"
according to the numerals printed on front and back of play cards
14.
If the answer is incorrect, there is no yardage gain and second
down play begins as described below. The offensive player writes
the numerals, "2", "5", "10", "2 ", or the word, "kick" in a column
headed, "Attempt" on score card 20. The offensive player asks the
defensive player to read a question from play card 14. The
defensive player will choose the question from whichever level of
difficulty category has been selected.
The defensive player then takes the front card from the proper
section or category. The defensive player reads aloud for the
offensive player to hear, the entry on play card 14. The defensive
player observes the time and allows 30 seconds for the offensive
player to answer the question correctly. If the offensive player
answers correctly within thirty seconds, the team marker 16 is
moved toward the defensive players goal, the number of yards
indicated on play card 14. The Play cards 14 are placed in
categories "2 Yards", "5 Yards", "10 Yards", and "20 Yards"
according to the numerals printed on front and back of play cards
14.
If the answer is incorrect, there is no yardage gain and second
down play begins as described below. If the answer is correct, the
offensive player writes numerals "2", "5", "10", or "20" under
column headed, "Gain" on score card 20. If the yardage gained is
equal to, or greater than the yardage needed to reach the defensive
player's goal line, a touchdown is declared and the numeral "G" is
entered in column headed "Points". Next, six points are added to
the previous cumulative total in column "Score" and the new total
score is written in "Score" column.
If the yardage gained is less than that needed to reach the goal
line, or first down, or first down, the offensive player subtracts
the amount gained from "ten" and declares that it is now second
down and the amount of the calculation's remainder to go for a
first down. If the yardage gained on the play is greater than that
needed for a first down, but less than that needed for a touchdown,
the ball is advanced to the new yardage gain position, and located
there for a new first down. Play resumes as just described.
However, if the yardage gained is less than that needed for a first
down or a touchdown, second down play begins.
Second Down
The offensive player writes the numeral "2" under a column headed,
"Down", in score card 20. The offensive player subtracts the
yardage gained from "ten" and writes the remainder in the "Yards To
Go", column in score card 20, to indicate the yards remaining for a
first down. The offensive player writes the position of the marker
as referenced to yard marker 24 in the column headed, "Ball
On".
The offensive player determines which level of difficulty to
attempt, knowing that more difficult questions provide greater
yardage gains that less difficult questions. Play cards 14, are
placed in categories of "2 Yards", "5 Yards", "10 Yards", and "20
Yards" according to the numerals printed on front and back of play
cards 14.
The offensive player writes numerals, "2", "5", "10", "20", or the
word, "kick", in column headed, "Attempt" in score card 20.
Offensive player asks defensive player to read a question from play
card 14, from whichever level of difficulty category he or she
selected.
Defensive player takes front card from section or category.
Defensive player reads aloud for offensive player to hear, entry on
play card 14, and returns card to back of section.
Defensive player observes time and allows 30 seconds for offensive
player to answer question correctly. If offensive player answers
correctly within thirty seconds the team marker 16, is moved toward
defensive players goal the number of yards indicated on play card
14.
If the answer is incorrect, third down play begins as described
below. If the answer is correct, offensive player writes numerals
2, 5, 10, or 20 under column headed, "Gained" on score card 20. If
the yardage gained is equal to, or greater than the yardage needed
to reach the defensive players goal line, a touchdown is declared
and the numeral "6" is entered in column headed "Points". The 6
points are added to the previous cumulative total in column "Score"
and the new total score is written in "Score" column. If the
yardage gained is less than that needed for a touchdown, but is
sufficient for a first down, first down play resumes as described
previously. If the yardage gained is insufficient for either a
first down or touchdown, third down play begins.
Third Down
The offensive player writes the numeral "3", under a column headed
"Down", in score card 20. The offensive player subtracts the number
of yards gained from the number of yards needed for a first down
and writes the remainder number in the column headed "Yards To Go",
in score card 20 to indicate yards remaining for a first down. The
offensive player writes in a column headed, "Ball On", the position
of the marker as referenced to yard marker 24.
The offensive player determines which level of difficulty to
attempt, knowing that more difficult questions provide greater
yardage gains that less difficult questions. Play cards 14, are
placed in categories "2 Yards", "5 Yards", "10 Yards", and "20
Yards" according to the numerals printed on front and back of play
cards 14.
The offensive player writes the numerals, "2", "5", "10", "20", or
words, "punt" or "field goal", in the column headed, "Attempt" in
score card 20. The offensive player asks the defensive player to
read a question from play card 14, from whichever level of
difficulty category has been selected.
The defensive player takes the front card from that section or
category. The defensive player reads aloud for the offensive player
to hear, an entry on play card 14, and returns the card to the back
of that section.
The defensive player observes time and allows 30 seconds for the
offensive player to answer the question correctly. If the offensive
player answers correctly within thirty seconds, the team marker 16
is moved toward the defensive player's goal the number of yards
indicated on play card 14.
If the answer is incorrect, fourth down play begins as described
below. If the answer is correct, the offensive player writes the
numeral "2", "5", "10", or "20" under the column headed, "Made" on
score card 20. If the yardage gained is equal to or greater than
the yardage needed to reach the defensive player's goal line, a
touchdown is declared and the numeral "G" is entered in the column
headed "Points". The six points are added to the previous
cumulative total in the "Score" column and the new total score is
written in "Score" column. If the yardage gained is less than that
needed for a touchdown, but is sufficient for a first down, first
down play resumes as described previously. If the yardage gained is
insufficient for either a first down or touchdown, fourth down play
begins.
Fourth Down
The offensive player writes the numeral "4" under the column headed
"Down", in score card 20. The offensive player subtracts the yards
gained from the yards needed and writes the remainder in the "Yards
To Go" column in score card 20, to indicate yards remaining for a
first down. The offensive player writes in the column headed "Ball
On", the position of the marker as referenced to yard marker
24.
The offensive player determines which level of difficulty to
attempt, knowing that more difficult questions provide greater
yardage gains that less difficult questions. Play cards 14 are
placed in categories "2 Yards", "5 Yards", "10 Yards", and "20
Yards" according to the numerals printed on front and back of play
cards 14.
Offensive player writes numerals, "2", "5" "10" "20" or words,
"punt", or "field goal", in column headed "Attempt" in score card
20. The offensive player asks the defensive player to read a
question from play card 14 or kick information from kick card 16,
whichever is chosen.
The defensive player takes the front card from section or category
selected. The defensive player reads aloud for the offensive player
to hear, an entry on play card 14 and returns that card to back of
the section.
The Defensive player observes time and allows 30 seconds for the
offensive player to answer the question correctly. If the offensive
player answers correctly within thirty seconds, the team marker 16
is moved toward defensive players goal the number of yards
indicated on play card 14.
If the answer is correct, the offensive player writes the numeral
"2", "5", "10", or "20" under the column headed "Made" on score
card 20. If the yardage gained is equal to, or greater than the
yardage needed to reach the defensive players goal line, a
touchdown is declared and the numeral "G" is entered in column
headed "Points". The six points are added to the previous
cumulative total in "Score" column and the new total score is
written in "Score" column.
Incorrect Answer on Fourth Down
If the offensive team answers incorrectly, and has failed to gain
10 yards in four tries, the offensive team gives up. The offensive
player becomes the defensive player and defensive player or team
becomes offensive player or team.
Punt or Field Goal
When the offensive player wishes to try a field goal or to punt on
the fourth down play, that player makes the entry, "punt", or the
entry, "field goal", in the column headed, "Attempt", and asks the
defensive player for a kick card 12. The defensive player takes the
front card from the front of kick card 12 section or category. If
the offensive player has asked for a punt, the entry written next
to the word, "punt", on kick card 12, is read aloud to the
offensive player. The game continues according to the instructions
worked out on the kick cards, e.g. the defensive team receives the
ball on their 30 yard line and begins offensive first down play. If
offensive player has asked for a field goal, the entry written next
to the words, field goal, on kick card 12 is read aloud to the
offensive player, and play or points carried out accordingly.
Point After Touchdown
When a touchdown is declared, the offensive team is entitled to a
choice between an attempt for a "point-after-touchdown", or a "two
point conversion". The offensive player advises the defensive
player of the choice. If the choice is "point-after-touchdown", the
defensive player selects the front card from kick cards 12 and
reads aloud the entry written adjacent to the words, "point after
touchdown" to the offensive player.
If the yardage gained is less than that needed to reach the goal,
the offensive player subtracts the amount gained from ten and
declares that it is now second down and the amount of the
calculation's remainder to go for a first down.
Two-Point Conversion
If offensive player has asked for a two point conversion after a
touchdown, the defensive player does not use a kick card. Instead
of a kick card 12, the defensive player takes the front play card
from the "two-yard" category and reads the question aloud for the
offensive player to answer.
The time limit is 30 seconds. If the offensive player answers
correctly, the offensive player is granted 2 points. If the answer
is incorrect, the offensive team or player, must perform a
kick-off.
Accordingly, it can be seen that a highly educational and
challenging game can provide for especially satisfying activities
for those persons who favor an institution and who closely follow
the exploits of its football program. The entertainment afforded by
the game can be enjoyed in unlimited settings because of the game's
flexibility in arranging for various numbers of players. The game
also accommodates people of different institutional loyalty.
Because players can use different data cards, the game is new and
unique each time. A further element of uniqueness is the simple
design of the game. Because play takes the form of a football game,
universal football rules and conventions are followed. This means
that people who understand the basic concepts of a football game
can quickly become familiar with this game. This game has unlimited
combinations of teams and numbers of players that may participate.
Having an educational nature, the game offers an opportunity for
learning and a sense of achievement for those who become proficient
in the data that makes up the game. It is attractive to players of
all ages and can serve as a family game.
Thus, it can be seen that this game overcomes the problems of
existing games. The first problem being that fans and supporters of
different teams can now face each other on a simulated football
field and contend against each other using their knowledge for the
first time. This game is simple. Normal football rules and
conventions are followed. People do not have to learn a new system
in order to play. The game is informative and educational for its
players. Rather than a game of chance, this is a game of knowledge.
Participants become efficient by becoming familiar with their
favorite team's players, accomplishments and history.
Players of practically all ages may play this game. Various other
embodiments and ramifications are possible within its scope. For
example, basketball can become the subject matter for this game
concept just as football has been dealt with here. This is also
true of professional baseball. Thus the scope of the invention
should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
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